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Disclaimer: The author is not responsible for any mistakes or misinformation. The
user may use the information at their own risk and the writer is not responsible
for problems arrising from the use of this document.
WARNING !!!!!
Window Tint reference are for personal use by individuals, tint business, or for
educational use. Government officials are prohibited from using this reference related
to the enactment of window tint laws or regulations, changing current window tint
laws or regulations without EXPRESS permission of the author, Brad Cuppy - Mail
me.
USE AT YOUR OWN RISK !!!!!!
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Choose your state to view the tint laws:
AL AK AZ
AR CA CO
CT DE DC
FL GA GU
HI ID IL
IN IA KS
KY LA ME
MD MA MI
MN MS MO
MT NE NV
NH NJ NM
NY NC ND
OH OK OR
PA PR RI
SC SD TN
TX UT VT
VI VA WA
WV WI WY
Percentage Numbers represent amount of light transmission.
Example : 35% means 35% light transmission.
Also known as VLT or Visible Light Transmission.
Film - Amount of light that is required to pass through window film.
Example : 35% Film means that the film must pass through at least 35% visible light.
Net - Amount of light that is required to pass both the car window and the tint
film.
MPV - A vehicle such as a recreation vehicle such as a pickup truck including GMC
Suburbans, Nissan Pathfinders, Extra Cab Trucks
When info is given, it is in the format of :
Windshield / Front Side Windows / Rear Side Windows / Rear-Back Window / Year Passed
Where :
NO - No Film is Allowed
ANY - Any degree of tinting is allowed
AS-1 - On the windshield, there is a mark that says "AS-1" toward the
top that defines that the tint cannot go below.
UnDef - Nothing defined in the law.
FMVSS 205 - A regulation that is found in the Code of Federal Regulation. The regulation
is found in 49 CFR 571.205
35 % Film - Light that is measured on the film alone
35 % Net - Light that is measured both through the film and car window
Example
4 inches / 35 % Film / 15 % Net / 5 % Net / 1994
A tint brow on the windshield cannot go no lower than 4 inches, 35% film may be
applied to the front side windows, 15% light must go through the combined window
film and windows for the rear side windows and 5 % light transmission is required
on the rear back window and film combined. The year 1994 is the year that the law
went into effect.
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Alabama
6 inches / 35% Film / 35% Film / 35% Film / 1996
Note : MPV Vehicles are exempt behind the front side doors.
Alaska
5 inches / NO / 40% Net / 40% Net / 1994
Note : MPV Vehicles can have any degree of tinting behind the front side doors so
long as they comply with FMVSS 205. Mirrored tint is prohibited.
Enforcement Note : Tint regulation does apply to non-Alaska registered vehicles.
State Troopers write fix-it tickets which requires "repair" within 5 days
and the City of Anchorage will write $150 tickets for the violation.
Arizona
UnDef / 35% Film / ANY / ANY / 198?
Arkansas
UnDef / 25% Net / 25% Net / 10% Net / 1994
Note : MPV's are allowed 10% Net tint on rear side windows
Enforcement Note : Tint law applies only to AR registered vehicles and vehicles
from other states that have NO tint law which is now moot since all 50 states have
some type of tint law with Wyoming being the last to pass a tint law.
California
NO / NO / ANY / ANY* / 1987 ?
Note : If the rear-back window is tinted, left and right rear-view mirrors are required.
Medical exemption allows for tint or other shading material is allowed on the front
side doors if it allows at least 35% of the light to go through, readily is removable
and cannot be used at night.
Enforcement Note : Out-of-State cars driven in California are required to be in
compliance with the CA Tint law.
Colorado
2 Phase Law:
4 inches or AS-1 / NO / ANY / ANY / 1989
4 inches or AS-1 / 27% Net / 27% Net / 27% Net / 1989
Note : No mirrored tint is allowed.
Enforcement Note : The fine for being in violation is $50 and the driver is not
usually required to fix the windows. Tint shops are not allowed to tint cars beyond
state law. State patrol carries light meters along with some local towns but they
don't worry about window tinting unless it is very dark such as limo tint (5%).
Connecticut
Complex / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 1995
Note : MPV Vehicle windows behind the front side doors are exempt so long as they
meet FMVSS 205. The Windshield can have a tint strip at the top. The amount is determined
by a complex formula as defined in Sec 14-99g, Subsection C, part 11 as written
by an East Coast lawyer.
Delaware
AS-1 / NO / ANY / ANY / 199?
District of Columbia
NO / NO / 50% Net / 50% Net / 1994
Enforcement Note : Can apply to out-of-state motorist, no out-of-state exemption
defined in statute.
Florida
AS-1 / 28% Net / 15% Net / 15% Net / 198?
Note : MPV Vehicles windows behind the front side doors must allow for 6 % Net light
transmission.
Enforcement Note : Law enforced by the use of light meters and can apply to out-of-state
motorist.
Georgia
NO / 32% Net / 32% Net / 32% Net / 1990
Guam
ANY / ANY / ANY / ANY / 1978/9
Note : It was illegal to have tint but the tint law was declared unconstitutional
as noted in the court decision part.
Hawaii
NO / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 198x
Enforcement Note : Illegal tint on cars can be a reason to be failed in the state
safety inspection.
Idaho
AS-1 / 35% Film / ANY / 35% Film / 1993
Note : Mirrored tint is illegal. Medical exemption ia available. Cars with window
tint that are considered illegal can apply for a waiver between June 30, 1992 and
Jan 1, 1993.
Illinois
NO / NO / ANY / ANY* / 1984 ?
Note : If window tint is applied to the rear-back window, a right and left rear-view
mirrors are required. Cars before 1982 model year are exempt from IL tint law.
Indiana
30% Film / 30% Film / ANY / 30% Film / 1995
Note : Darker tint is allowed for medical reason only as attested to by medical
doctor or eye doctor.
Enforcement Note : Out-of-state motorist can be ticketed for being in violation
of IN tint law but are usually left alone. Law enforcement usually enforces the
tint law on the front side windows. Most law enforcement do not know that the rear-back
window is included in the law. Some local towns will fine motorist $200 for violation
as well as requiring them to fix it.
Legislation: HB1282 which will basically outlaw window tint. It would ban any tint
that would go beyond Federal Standards which is 70% visible light transmission.
Violation would fall under an enhanced penalty of a Class B infraction which has
a max fine of $1000.
Iowa
AS-1 / NO / ANY / ANY / Unknown
Note : A pending bill in the legislature would mandate light transmission on all
windows of at least 70% (Basically no aftermarket tint allowed). Puts the federal
window tint regulation into state law.
Enforcement Note : Iowa is spotty on enforcement but can enforce the law against
out-of-state motorist such as writing a fix-it ticket.
Kansas
AS-1 / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 1987
Kentucky
AS-1 / 35% Film / 18% Film / 18% Film / 1988
Note : MPV Vehicles can have 8% Film behind the front side doors.
Louisiana
AS-1 / 40% Net / 25% Net / 12% Net / 199x
Maine
NO / 50% Film / 50% Film / 50% Film / 198x
Enforcement Note : As the law is read, it can be applied to out-of-state cars. A
car with tint that is more dark than allowed by the state can fail safety ispection.
Maryland
NO / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 1993
Massachusetts
NO / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net
Enforcement Note : People with 35% tint have been given tickets for tinting due
to light meters reading less than 35% since car glass can have from 70% to 90% window
tint.
Michigan
4 inches / 4 inches / ANY / ANY / 198x
Note : Changes to the law has been discussed such as allowing for 35% tint on the
front side windows but the State Police would push hard for a complete ban on tint
if it got through and they have the political power to do it.
Enforcement Note : Michigan State police will give the 3rd degree look to any car
that is not in compliance with MI tint law but will usually leave out-of-state motorist
alone.
Minnesota
NO / 50% Film / 50% Film / 50% Film / 198x
Note : Darker tint is allowed with Medical Exemption.
Mississippi
AS-1 / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 1989
Enforcement Note : Illegal window tint can be a reason for failing the yearly state
safety inspection.
Missouri
AS-1 / 35% Net / Any / Any / 2002
Enforcement Note : New law removed out-of-state exemption but don't know how the
MO State Highway Patrol will deal with that ?
Tint is NO LONGER part of the State Safety Inspection, a plus for MO residents.
Additional Note: Took effect Feb 14, 2002. Original law banned tint on the front
side windows but allowed anything behind and then changed in 2001 for 35% NET on
ALL windows and in 2002 changed to 35% NET on front side windows but once again,
anything behind goes !
Montana
AS-1 / 24% Net / 14% Net / 14% Net / 1991
Note : MPV Vehicles windows behind the front doors are exempt from tint law. Cars
before Oct 1, 1991 that were registered in Montana and had tint that would be considered
illegal under the law can continue to have any kind of window tint but the registration
must indicate a tinted window waiver and the waiver can no longer be applied for.
Those who have waviers can continue to use them and when the car is sold, the waiver
is good for the next owner.
A permit for dark tint can be applied for if needed for security or medical reasons.
Enforcement Note : Montana Law enforcement is lax on enforcing the tint law but
there is a heavy fine if enforced and maybe required to be fixed.
Nebraska
AS-1 / 35% Film / 20% Film / 20% Film / 199x
Nevada
AS-1 / 35% Film / ANY / ANY / 1993
Note : There is a medical exemption for the tint law.
Enforcement Note : Tint law does not apply to 1993 or older model cars that had
tint applied before July 1, 1993.
New Hampshire
NO / NO / 35% Net / 35% Net / 198x
Enforcement Note : Having illegal tint can mean the failure of the state safety
inspection.
New Jersey
NO / NO / ANY / ANY / 198x
Enforcement Note : Illegal window tint can be the reason for failing state safety
inspection.
New Mexico
AS-1 / 20% Net / 20-% Net / 20-% Net / 1997
Note : Local law takes precedence over state law. The most liberal tint law in the
country. MPV, trucks, buses can have anything behind the front side windows. Tint
done before Jul 1, 1997 is exempt from the law.
New York
NO / NO/ NO/ NO / 1993
Note : Very strict law. Replacement glass that is tinted is allowed if and only
if the original windows were tinted as well. Medical exemption is provided for with
permission from Commisioner of Motor Vehicles.
North Carolina
AS-1 / 32% Net / 32% Net / 32% Net / 1996
Enforcement Note : Illegal tint is a reson to fail state safety inspection. Out-of-state
cars must be in compliance with tint law in the state where registered.
North Dakota
AS-1 / NO / ANY* / ANY* / 1989
Note : If windows behind the front side doors are tinted, a right and left outside
rear view mirror is required.
Enforcement Note : The tint law may be applied to non-resident cars as written.
Ohio
5 inches / 50% Film / 50% Film / 50% Film / 1987
Note : Director of Ohio DPS determines what degree of tint that is legal on motor
vehicles in Ohio. The tint law has been known to be enforced on out-of-state cars
in some towns.
Oklahoma
Before 1996 Model Year :
AS-1 or 5 inches / 25% Net / 10% Net* / 10% Net* / 1995
1996 Model Year and after :
AS-1 or 5 inches / 25% Net / 25% Net / 25% Net / 1995
Note : MPV windows behind the front side doors are exempt from the tint law. Outside
right and left rear view mirrors are required if tint is darker than 25% net for
pre-1996 vehicles. Law enforcement and government owned vehicles are exempt.
Oregon
6 inches / 50% Film & 35% Net / 50% Film & 35% Net / 50% Film & 35%
Net / 1996
Note : MPV windows behind the front side doors are exempt as long as they are in
compliance with FMVSS 205.
Government and Law Enforcement vehicles are exempt from the tint law. If ordinary
people are required to obey this law, it should definitely apply to government and
law enforcement vehicles.
Enforcement Note : Tint Law may be applied to out-of-state vehicles.
Pennsylvania
NO / NO / NO / NO / 1996 for 1998 model year and after NO / NO / ANY / ANY before
1998 Model Year
Enforcement Note : Illegal tint on cars can be a reason to be failed in the state
safety inspection which was struck down in court.
Rhode Island
NO / NO / NO / NO / 1993
Note : MPV's are exempt on windows behind the front side windows but the windows
must comply to FMVSS 205 which is usually 30% VLT.
Government and Law Enforcement vehicles are exempt from the tint law. If ordinary
people are required to obey this law, it should definitely apply to government and
law enforcement vehicles.
South Carolina
UnDef / 27% Net / ANY / *27% Net / 1993
Special Note : If the rear-back window was tinted darker than 27% VLT before 1/1/93,
it continues to be legal as long as it is the original tint. There was also a bill
to require 50% VLT on front side windows and rear-back effective 1/1/99. If the
Rear-back window was done before 1/1/99, it must have at least 27% VLT. It never
got out of committee but with many sponsors, it can be counted on to be back.
South Dakota
Undef / 26% Net / ANY / 11% Net / 1991 ?
Note : The defined numbers include an enforcement tolerance of 9%. The numbers are
the absolute darkest that is allowed. Violation is a Class 2 Misdemeanor.
Tennessee
NO / 35% Film / 35% Film / 35% Film / 198x
Note : MPV's and SUV's can have darker tint behind the front side doors such as
extended cab trucks.
Texas
Before 1988 Model Year:
AS-1 / 35% Film / 20% Film / 20% Film / 1988
1988 Model Year and after :
AS-1 / 35% Film / 35% Film / 20% Film / 1988
Enforcement Note : Illegal window tint can be the reason for failing state safety
inspection. State DPS carry light meters especially around the Mexican Border.
Utah
NO / 43% Net / ANY / ANY / 2002
Note : Previous laws allowed only 28% tint behind and prior, nonthing was allowed
on the front side windows and anything behind.
Enforcement Note : Illegal tint can be a reason to fail safety inspection. The tint
law can be enforced on out-of-state cars. Violation is a Class C misdemeanor.
Vermont
AS-1 / NO / ANY / ANY / 198x
Enforcement Note : Tint law can be applied to out-of-state registered cars. The
fine is $120.50 with no points.
Virginia
AS-1 / 43% Net / 35% Film / 35% Film / 1993
Enforcement Note : Tint law may technically be applied to out-of-state registered
cars. There is HB 1563 which would make the law apply to VA registered cars only.
The bill did not pass. VA State Police opinion on out-of-state cars with tint that
does not comply with VA law.
Washington
6 inches / 32% Film / 32% Film / 32% Film / 1989
Note : MPV Windows behind the front side doors are exempt.
Enforcement Note : Tint law applies to non-Washington registered vehicles.
West Virginia
AS1 or 5 inches/ 35% Film / 35% Film / 35% Film / 1991 ?
Wisconsin
NO / 50% Film / 35% Film / 35% Film / 1996
Note : MPV windows behind the front side doors are exempt. The new tint regulation
is defined under the Tran-305 administrative rule.
Enforcement Note : Tint regulation applies to non-Wisconsin registered vehicles
but out-of-state motorist are normally left alone for tint.
Additional Notes : 2 demerit points are assessed for tinted window violation. Revisions
to the regulation is being considered this fall and comments can be sent to B. Bird
at the Wisconsin DOT. One of the proposed revisions is exempting out-of-state cars
that are temporarily in Wisconsin such as tourist.
Wyoming
AS-1 / 28% Net / 28% Net / 28% Net / 1997
Note : MPV windows behind the front side doors are exempt. There is a medical exemption
which allows for window film as dark as 25% light transmission.
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